The Art Of Making Leather Cases

[scottishshoemaker]

I'm looking to buy these but what volume is best 1, 2 or 3?. I know some may say depends what you want to make, but looking at the picture of books some patterns are doubled up. So can anyone recomend one of the above.

[Tina]

Hi,

you need to start with number 1, in book 2 & 3 they only make references to see in book1 and so on. It is not freestanding books in the true sense.

[Russ]

Depends on what you want to make

In all seriousness, I have all three. Volume 1 has a majority of smaller items, sheaths, small cases such as eye glass cases or ammo carriers, etc. It also has a lot of basic info that you would use in other projects, such as installing dees, burnishing edges, and some basics of hand sewing.

Vol 2 has medium sized cases and an extensive section on handles, zippers, and locks, and some info on making patters, making and installing welts, and several types of zipper cases.

Vol 3 goes to bigger cases, a guitar case, brief case, several rifle scabbards, and a golf club bag! I've found that most of these items would not pay well because of the cost of materials, and the amount that the custom made item would cost. That is just my experience though, others may have a different customer base.

I found Vol 1 to be best when I was getting started...gave basic info and plans. Vol 2 helped me with toiletry bags, portfolios, and basic boxes.

The books are freestanding if you have basic knowledge of leathercraft; just look at the cover and see what you'd like to make. Otherwise, I'd start with the small, easy projects in Vol 1 and work your way up.

Hi,

you need to start with number 1, in book 2 & 3 they only make references to see in book1 and so on. It is not freestanding books in the true sense.

Most of the Stohlman books are like that...they repeat sections of other material, and refer to other sections for you to go look at. I'm sure some of it was marketing, and some of it was "filler" material.

I'm looking to buy these but what volume is best 1, 2 or 3?. I know some may say depends what you want to make, but looking at the picture of books some patterns are doubled up. So can anyone recomend one of the above.

Edited January 22, 2011 by Russ

[Jordan]

Each one progresses or builds on the other loosely, delving into more advanced techniques as they go along. I found all three worth it. I did wait until they were on sale so I got 3 for the price of about 2. Jordan

[scottishshoemaker]

Thanks for all the info guys n gals. They are on sale at Tandy so may go for all three. Cheers.

[gary]

Thanks for all the info guys n gals. They are on sale at Tandy so may go for all three. Cheers.

I may be a bit late replying to this but I have all 3 and use 1 and 2 mostly with the occasional dip into No 3. Do you want me to scan the contents pages for you so you can have a deek before you buy?

Gary

[Gawdzilla]

The best tip I got from Vol. 1 was to make a block of wood in the size and shape you wanted the bag to be so you could know you were getting the dimensions correct as you went on. That has saved me a lot of time. It's also left me with a collection of odd shaped chunks of wood. (So be sure to write what it's for on the wood before you forget.)

[robs456]

Get all three if you can, or just the first and second (in that order) if money is an issue.

For someone just making sheaths and small cases the first one is enough, and if you're making bags with handles Vol 2 is essential.

Each of them also goes more in depth about a specific subject.

In Vol 1 it is attaching straps, hardware and belt loops.

Vol 2 handles handles (harhar) of all types.

And Vol 3 IIRC has a good piece about different linings.